Camera module

ABSTRACT

A camera module includes a housing; a lens module provided in an internal space of the housing to be movable in an optical axis direction, and including at least one lens therein; a magnet disposed in the lens module; and position detection sensors to detect a position of the magnet. One or more of the position detection sensors are disposed to face a first polarity of the magnet and one or more of the position detection sensors are disposed to face a second polarity of the magnet different than the first polarity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/841,975 filed on Apr. 7, 2020, which claims the benefit under 35 USC119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0050936 filed on Apr.30, 2019, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0085338 filed onJul. 15, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/565,646 filed on Dec. 30, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/841,975.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The following description relates to a camera module.

2. Description of Background

Cameras have generally been installed in portable electronic devicessuch as tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, and the like,in addition to smartphones, and an autofocusing (AF) function, anoptical image stabilization (OIS) function, a zoom function, and thelike, have been added to cameras for mobile terminals.

For the implementation of various functions, however, structures ofcamera modules have become complex and sizes of the camera modules havebeen increased, resulting in portable electronic devices in which cameramodules having increased sizes are to be mounted.

Additionally, in the case of directly moving a lens or an image sensorfor optical image stabilization, both the weight of the lens or theimage sensor itself and those of other members having the lens or theimage sensor attached thereto need to be taken into consideration. Thisrequires more than a certain level of driving force, thereby increasingpower consumption.

Further, for the implementation of the AF and zoom functions, a certaindistance needs to be secured, such that the lens can move in an opticalaxis direction. However, it may be difficult to implement such aconfiguration due to the thinness of the camera module.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts insimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

A camera module having a simple configuration and a reduced size whileimplementing functions such as an autofocusing (AF) function, a zoomfunction, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, and the like.

A camera module, in spite of having a plurality of lens groups, in whichthe plurality of lens groups may be easily aligned in an optical axisdirection.

A zoom lens and a reflection module is to be provided with a stopper ora damper so as not to be separated from the optimal position.

In order to express performance of a zoom lens to the maximum, it isintended to accurately measure a movement position of the zoom lens by aplurality of position detection sensors, such as Hall sensors.

In one general aspect, a camera module includes a housing; a lens moduledisposed in an internal space of the housing to be movable in an opticalaxis direction, and including at least one lens therein; a magnetdisposed in the lens module; and position detection sensors configuredto detect a position of the magnet. One or more of the positiondetection sensors are disposed to face a first polarity of the magnetand one or more of the position detection sensors are disposed to face asecond polarity of the magnet different than the first polarity.

The magnet may be a two-pole magnet magnetized to have an N pole, aneutral region, and an S pole, or may be a magnet in which individualmagnets having an N pole and an S pole are arranged adjacent to eachother.

Each of the position detection sensors may be disposed to face only theN pole or the S pole of the magnet.

The position detection sensors include a first position detection sensordisposed to face the N pole, a second position detection sensor disposedto face the S pole, and a third position detection sensor disposed toface a region between the N pole and the S pole.

The position detection sensors may be spaced apart from each other atequal intervals along the optical axis direction.

The camera module may include a coil disposed in the housing andconfigured to face the magnet, and the position detection sensors may bedisposed inside a winding of the coil.

The position of the magnet may be calculated based on position values ofall sensing values of the position detection sensors.

The position values may be all different values within a moving range ofthe magnet.

In another general aspect, a camera module includes a housing; a lensmodule disposed in an internal space of the housing to be movable in anoptical axis direction, including at least one lens therein; a magnetdisposed in the lens module and including at least one N pole and atleast one S pole that intersect along the optical axis direction; andposition detection sensors to detect a position of the magnet. One ormore of the position detection sensors are disposed to face a first poleof the magnet and one or more of the position detection sensors aredisposed to face a second pole of the magnet.

The magnet may be a three-pole magnet magnetized to have at least threepolarities, including the at least one N pole and the at least one Spole, or may be a magnet in which at least three individual magnets eachhaving an N pole and an S pole are arranged adjacent to each other.

The first pole of the magnet may have a same polarity as the second poleof the magnet, and a number of position detection sensors disposed toface the first pole of the magnet may be the same as a number ofposition detection sensors disposed to face the second pole of themagnet.

The first pole of the magnet may have a same polarity as the second poleof the magnet, the magnet may include a third pole disposed between thefirst pole and the second pole along the optical axis direction, and thefirst pole and the second pole may be spaced apart from the third poleby an equal distance along the optical axis direction.

The position detection sensors may include at least four positondetection sensors including a first position detection sensor disposedto face a first end of the first pole along the optical axis direction,a second position detection sensor disposed to face a second end of thefirst pole along the optical axis direction, a third position detectionsensor disposed to face a first end of the second pole along the opticalaxis direction, and a fourth position detection sensor disposed to facea second end of the second pole along the optical axis direction.

The position detection sensors may include a fifth position detectionsensor disposed between the first position detection sensor and thesecond position detection sensor along the optical axis direction and asixth position detection sensor disposed between the third positiondetection sensor and the fourth position detection sensor along theoptical axis direction.

The position detection sensors may include a first set of positondetection sensors spaced apart at equal intervals and disposed to facethe first pole along the optical axis direction and a second set ofposition detection sensors spaced apart at equal intervals and disposedto face the second pole along the optical axis direction.

The camera module may include a first coil fixed to the housing anddisposed in the housing to face the first pole of the magnet and asecond coil fixed to the housing and disposed in the housing to face thesecond pole of the magnet. The first pole of the magnet may have a samepolarity as the second pole of the magnet.

In another general aspect, a camera module includes a housing; a lensmodule including at least one lens and configured to move within thehousing along an optical axis direction; a magnet disposed in the lensmodule and including at least two poles that intersect along the opticalaxis direction; and position detection sensors including at least oneposition detection sensor disposed to face a first pole of the magnetand at least one position detection sensor disposed to face a secondpole of the magnet.

The first pole may have a same polarity as the second pole, the magnetmay include a third pole having a different polarity than the first poleand the second pole, and the third pole may be disposed between thefirst pole and the second pole along the optical axis direction.

The first pole may have a different polarity than a polarity of thesecond pole.

The position detection sensors may include at least one positiondetection sensor disposed in a neural region between the first pole andthe second pole along the optical axis direction.

Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detaileddescription, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device accordingto an example.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a camera module accordingto an example.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according toan example.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of a camera moduleaccording to an example.

FIG. 6A is perspective views of a reflection module and a lens modulecoupled to a housing of a camera module according to an example.

FIG. 6B is perspective views of a reflection module and a lens modulecoupled to a housing of a camera module according to another example.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a board having driving coils and sensorsmounted thereon, coupled to a housing of a camera module according to anexample.

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a rotation plate and arotation holder in a camera module according to an example.

FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of a rotation plate and arotation holder in a camera module according to another example.

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a rotationholder in a camera module according to an example.

FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a rotationholder in a camera module according to another example.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a lens barrelaccording to an example.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a damper of a rotation holderand a stopper of a zoom lens, installed according to an example.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view in which the damper of therotation holder and the stopper of the zoom lens in FIG. 11 aredisassembled.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view illustrating another example of a zoomlens moving guide groove, provided in a housing according to an example.

FIG. 13B is a reference view illustrating a shape in which the zoom lensof FIG. 13A is installed.

FIG. 14 is a reference view illustrating an example of a structure inwhich a zoom lens according to an example is fixed in a predeterminedposition.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are reference views illustrating another example of astructure in which a zoom lens according to an example is accuratelyfixed in a predetermined position.

FIG. 17A is a view illustrating a positional relationship between amagnet and four Hall sensors, provided in a lens barrel according to anexample.

FIG. 17B is a graph illustrating sensing values of four Hall sensorsaccording to movement of a lens barrel in the positional relationshipillustrated in FIG. 17A.

FIGS. 18A and 19A are views illustrating another example having only themodified number of Hall sensors in the positional relationshipillustrated in FIG. 17A.

FIGS. 18B and 19B are graphs illustrating sensing values of a Hallsensor according to movement of a lens barrel in the positionalrelationship of another example illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 19A.

FIG. 20A is a view illustrating a positional relationship between amagnet and four Hall sensors provided in a lens barrel according toanother example.

FIG. 20B is a graph illustrating sensing values of four Hall sensorsaccording to movement of a lens barrel in the positional relationshipillustrated in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a view illustrating another example having only the modifiednumber of Hall sensors in the positional relationship illustrated inFIG. 20A.

FIG. 21B is a graph illustrating sensing values of six Hall sensorsaccording to movement of a lens barrel in the positional relationshipillustrated in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a main board according to an example,and coils and components mounted thereon.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device accordingto another example.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same referencenumerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale,and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in thedrawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader ingaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses,and/or systems described herein. However, various changes,modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/orsystems described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art. The sequences of operations described herein are merelyexamples, and are not limited to those set forth herein, but may bechanged as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, withthe exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order.Also, descriptions of functions and constructions that would be wellknown to one of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted for increasedclarity and conciseness.

The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, andare not to be construed as being limited to the examples describedherein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided so thatthis disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey thescope of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Herein, it is noted that use of the term “may” with respect to anexample or embodiment, e.g., as to what an example or embodiment mayinclude or implement, means that at least one example or embodimentexists in which such a feature is included or implemented while allexamples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region,or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupledto” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or“coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more otherelements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element isdescribed as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directlycoupled to” another element, there can be no other elements interveningtherebetween.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combinationof any two or more of the associated listed items.

Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used hereinto describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections,these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to belimited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguishone member, component, region, layer, or section from another member,component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component,region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein mayalso be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, orsection without departing from the teachings of the examples.

Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower”may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element'srelationship to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to anotherelement will then be “below” or “lower” relative to the other element.Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above and below orientationsdepending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may alsobe oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to beinterpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, andis not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,”and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations,members, elements, and/or combinations thereof.

Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of theshapes shown in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examples describedherein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, butinclude changes in shape that occur during manufacturing.

The features of the examples described herein may be combined in variousways as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure ofthis application. Further, although the examples described herein have avariety of configurations, other configurations are possible as will beapparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device accordingto an example.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a portable electronic device 1 according to anexample may be a portable electronic device such as a mobilecommunications terminal, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC),and the like, in which a camera module 1000 is mounted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the portable electronic device 1 may beprovided with the camera module 1000 to capture an image of a subject.

In this example, the camera module 1000 may include a plurality oflenses, and an optical axis (a Z-axis) of the lenses may be disposed ina direction perpendicular to a thickness direction (a Y-axis direction,or a direction from a front surface of the portable electronic device toa rear surface thereof, or an opposite direction to the direction fromthe front surface of the portable electronic device to the rear surfacethereof) of the portable electronic device 1.

In an example, the optical axis (the Z-axis) of the plurality of thelenses provided in the camera module 1000 may be formed in a widthdirection or a length direction of the portable electronic device 1.

Therefore, even when the camera module 1000 has the AF, zoom, and OISfunctions, and the like, a thickness of the portable electronic device 1may be made not to increase. Therefore, the portable electronic device 1may be made thinner.

The camera module 1000 according to an example may have the AF, zoom,and OIS functions.

The camera module 1000 having the AF, zoom, and OIS functions requiresvarious components, leading to an increased size of the camera module1000 compared to a conventional camera module.

The increased size of the camera module 1000 may give rise to an issuewith respect to the miniaturization of the portable electronic device 1in which the camera module 1000 is mounted.

For example, the camera module has an increasing number of stackedlenses for the zoom function. When multiple lenses are stacked in thethickness direction of the portable electronic device, the thickness ofthe portable electronic device may increase, depending on the number ofthe stacked lenses. Therefore, a sufficient number of the stacked lensesmay not be secured without increasing the thickness of the portableelectronic device, thereby deteriorating the zoom function.

Further, in order to implement the AF, zoom, and OIS functions, anactuator is required to move a plurality of lens groups in the opticalaxis direction or a direction perpendicular thereto. When the opticalaxis (the Z-axis) of the lens groups is formed in the thicknessdirection of the portable electronic device, the actuator for moving thelens groups should also be installed in the thickness direction.Therefore, the thickness of the portable electronic device may increase.

As the optical axis (the Z-axis) of the plurality of lenses is disposedto be perpendicular to the thickness direction of the portableelectronic device 1, the portable electronic device 1 may be madethinner even when the camera module 1000 having the AF, zoom, and OISfunctions are mounted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example,FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a camera module accordingto an example, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cameramodule according to an example.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4 , the camera module 1000 may include areflection module 1100, a lens module 1200, and an image sensor module1300, provided in a housing 1010.

The reflection module 1100 may be configured to change a movingdirection of light. As an example, a moving direction of light incidentthrough an opening portion 1031 of a cover 1030 covering an upperportion of the camera module 1000 may be changed to a direction towardthe lens module 1200 through the reflection module 1100. To this end,the reflection module 1100 may include a reflective member 1110configured to reflect the light.

For example, a path of light incident through the thickness direction(the Y-axis direction) of the camera module 1000 may be changed by thereflection module 1100 such that the moving direction of the incidentlight may be approximately identical to the optical axis (the Z-axis)direction.

The lens module 1200 may include a plurality of lenses through which thelight of which the moving direction is changed by the reflection module1100 passes. The lens module 1200 may include at least three lensbarrels 1210, 1220, and 1230. The AF and zoom functions may beimplemented according to the movements of the at least three lensbarrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction.In addition, in this example, any one lens barrel, such as lens barrel1230, of the at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may befixed so as not to move in the optical axis direction. The AF and zoomfunctions may be implemented by the fixed lens barrel 1230, and theremaining two lens barrels 1210 and 1220.

The image sensor module 1300 may include an image sensor 1310 convertingthe light which has passed through the plurality of lenses into anelectrical signal, and a printed circuit board 1320 on which the imagesensor 1310 may be mounted. Further, the image sensor module 1300 mayinclude an optical filter 1340 filtering the incident light which haspassed through the lens module 1200. The optical filter 1340 may be aninfrared cut-off filter.

In an internal space of the housing 1010, the reflection module 1100 maybe provided in front of the lens module 1200 (along the Z-axisdirection), and the image sensor module 1300 may be provided behind thelens module 1200 (along the Z-axis direction).

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 22 , the camera module 1000 may include thereflection module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensormodule 1300, which may be provided in the housing 1010.

The reflection module 1100, the lens module 1200, and the image sensormodule 1300 may be sequentially provided from one side to the other sidein the housing 1010. The housing 1010 may be configured to have aninternal space such that all of the reflection module 1100, the lensmodule 1200, and the image sensor module 1300 may be embedded therein(the printed circuit board 1320 included in the image sensor module 1300may be attached to an outside of the housing 1010).

For example, as illustrated in the drawings, the housing 1010 may beintegrally provided such that the reflection module 1100 and the lensmodule 1200 may be embedded in the internal space thereof. However, theconfiguration may not be limited thereto, and for example, separatehousings in which the reflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200are respectively embedded may be connected to each other.

The housing 1010 may be covered with the cover 1030 such that theinternal space is not shown.

The cover 1030 may include the opening portion 1031 such that light isincident therethrough, and the moving direction of the light incidentthrough the opening portion 1031 may be changed by the reflection module1100, leading to light incident on the lens module 1200. The cover 1030may be integrally provided to cover the entire housing 1010, or dividedinto and provided as separate members respectively covering thereflection module 1100 and the lens module 1200.

The reflection module 1100 may include the reflective member 1110,reflecting light. Further, the light incident on the lens module 1200may pass through the plurality of lens groups (at least three lensbarrels 1210, 1220, and 1230), and may be then converted into anelectrical signal by the image sensor 1310, and stored.

The housing 1010 may include the reflection module 1100 and the lensmodule 1200 in the internal space. The reflective module 1100 may beprovided at a front side of the internal space of the housing 1010, andthe lens module 1200 may be provided at a rear side thereof. Spaces inwhich the lens module 1200 may be provided may be distinguished fromeach other by a protruding wall 1009. The protruding wall 1009 may beconfigured to protrude from both side walls of the housing 1010 towardthe internal space.

In the case of the reflection module 1100 provided on the front side, arotation holder 1120 may be closely adhered to and supported on aninternal wall surface of the housing 1010 by attractive force between apulling yoke 1153 provided on the internal wall surface of the housing1010 and a pulling magnet 1151 provided on the rotation holder 1120.Although not illustrated in the drawings, the housing 1010 may also beprovided with a pulling magnet, and the rotation holder 1120 may also beprovided with a pulling yoke. Hereinafter, the structure illustrated inthe drawings will be described for convenience of explanation.

First ball bearings 1131, a rotation plate 1130, and second ballbearings 1133 may be provided between the internal wall surface of thehousing 1010 and the rotation holder 1120.

As will be described in detail below, since the first ball bearings 1131and the second ball bearings 1133 may be partially fitted to guidegrooves 1132, 1134, 1021, and 1121, thereby closely adhering thereto, asmall space may be required between the rotation holder 1120 and theprotruding walls 1009 when the rotation holder 1120 and the rotationplate 1130 are fitted to the internal space of the housing 1010. Whenthe rotation holder 1120 is mounted on the housing 1010, the rotationholder 1120 may be closely adhered to the internal wall surface of thehousing 1010 by the attractive force between the pulling yoke 1153 andthe pulling magnet 1151, thereby allowing for a relatively small spaceto be formed between the rotation holder 1120 and the third lens barrel1230.

In this example, a damper 1050, which may be fitted to an upper portionof the housing 1010 while supporting the rotation holder 1120, may beincluded (of course, even without the damper 1050, the pulling magnet1151 and the pulling yoke 1153 may be fixed manually).

The damper 1050 may include a frame 1051 fitted to the upper portion ofthe housing 1010, a locking portion 1055, and an extension portion 1052extending downwardly from the frame 1051 (for example, in the Y-axisdirection). The extension portion 1052 may include a damping material1053 to protrude toward the rotation holder 1120 in the optical axisdirection. The damping material 1053 may be provided to be fitted into athrough-hole provided in the extension portion 1052, and the dampingmaterial 1053 may be any material as long as it is an elastic materialsuch as urethane, silicone, epoxy, a polymer material, or the like.

The locking portion 1055 may be locked as fitted to the outside of thehousing 1010. The housing may be provided with an insertion groove 1019(see FIG. 5 , for example) into which the frame 1051 and the extensionportion 1052 are fitted. The insertion groove 1019 may include a firstinsertion groove 1019 a provided along an internal side of an upper edgeof the housing 1010, a second insertion groove 1019 b extendingdownwardly perpendicular to the optical axis direction from the otherend of the first insertion groove 1019 a, and a third insertion groove1019 c (see FIG. 12 , for example) provided at one end of the firstinsertion groove 1019 a along the outside of the housing 1010.

Since the frame 1051 may be fitted into the first insertion groove 1019a, the locking portion 1055 provided at one end of the frame 1051 may befitted to the outside of the housing 1010, and the extension portion1052 provided at the other side end of the frame 1051 may be fitted intothe second insertion groove 1019 b, the frame 1051 may be firmly fixedso as not to move in the optical axis direction. In addition, anadhesive may be applied between the frame 1051 and the housing 1010 tobe further bonded to each other.

The damping material 1053 may be provided to be fitted in a through-holeprovided in the extension portion 1052 (of course, the damping material1053 may be attached to one side or both sides of the extension portion1052 by bonding with an adhesive). The damping material 1053 may beprovided to protrude to both sides of the extension portion 1052. Thedamping material 1053 may serve as a damper for absorbing the shock ofthe rotation holder 1120 or a stopper for limiting the moving distance,and the third lens barrel 1230 may be fixed (FIG. 6B). In this case, thethird lens barrel 1230 may serve to support the one side in the opticalaxis direction.

The damper 1050 may serve as a bracket supporting the rotation holder1120 when the reflection module 1100 is not driven, and may serve as adamper or a stopper controlling movements of the rotation holder 1120when the reflection module 1100 is driven. A space may be providedbetween the damper 1050 and the rotation holder 1120 such that therotation holder 1120 rotates smoothly. Alternatively, even when thedamper 1050 is in contact with the rotation holder 1120, the damper 1050may be formed of an elastic material to allow the rotation holder 1120to move smoothly while being supported by the damper 1050.

The housing 1010 may include a first driving portion 1140 and a seconddriving portion 1240, provided to respectively drive the reflectionmodule 1100 and the lens module 1200. The first driving portion 1140 mayinclude a plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145 b for driving thereflection module 1100, and the second driving portion 1240 may includea plurality of coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b for driving the lensmodule 1200, where the lens module 1200 may include the first lensbarrel 1210, the second lens barrel 1220, and the third lens barrel1230.

Further, since the plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, 1145 b, 1241 b,1243 b, and 1245 b may be provided in the housing 1010 in a state inwhich they are mounted on a main board 1070, the housing 1010 may beprovided with a plurality of through-holes 1010 a, 1010 b, 1010 c, 1010d, 1010 e, 1010 f and 1010 g, such that the plurality of coils 1141 b,1143 b, 1145 b, 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b may be exposed to theinternal space of the housing 1010.

The main board 1070 on which the coils 1141 b, 1143 b, 1145 b, 1241 b,1243 b, and 1245 b may be mounted may be entirely connected to eachother to be provided as a single board, as illustrated in the drawings.In this case, a single terminal may be provided, thereby making it easyto connect an external power supply. The main board 1070 is not limitedto such a configuration, and may also be provided as a plurality ofboards by separating a board on which coils for the reflection module1100 are mounted from a board on which coils for the lens module 1200are mounted.

The reflection module 1100 may change a path of light incident throughthe opening portion 1031. When a still image or a moving image may becaptured, the still image may be blurred or the moving image may beshaken due to hand-shake or other user movement. In this case, thereflection module 1100 may stabilize the hand-shake or other usermovement by moving the rotation holder 1120 on which the reflectivemember 1110 is mounted. For example, when shaking is generated at thetime of capturing a still image or a moving image due to a hand-shake orother movement of a user, a relative displacement corresponding to theshaking may be provided to the rotation holder 1120 to compensate forthe shaking.

The OIS function may be implemented by a movement of the rotation holder1120 having a relatively low weight, as it does not include lenses orthe like, and thus power consumption for the OIS function may besignificantly reduced.

For example, for the OIS function implementation, the moving directionof the light may be changed by moving the rotation holder 1120 on whichthe reflective member 1110 is provided without moving a lens barrelincluding a plurality of lenses or the image sensor such that the lighton which the OIS is performed may be incident to the lens module 1200.

The reflection module 1100 may include the rotation holder 1120 providedto be supported by the housing 1010, the reflective member 1110 mountedon the rotation holder 1120, and the first driving portion 1140 movingthe rotation holder 1120.

The reflective member 1110 may change a moving direction of light. Forexample, the reflective member 1110 may be a mirror or a prismreflecting the light (for convenience of explanation, the reflectivemember 1110 may be illustrated, as a prism in the drawings).

The reflective member 1110 may be fixed to the rotation holder 1120. Therotation holder 1120 has a mounting surface 1122 on which the reflectivemember 1110 is mounted.

The mounting surface 1122 of the rotation holder 1120 may be an inclinedsurface such that a path of light changes. The mounting surface 1122 maybe a surface inclined with respect to the optical axis (the Z-axis) ofthe plurality of the lenses by 30° to 60°. The inclined surface of therotation holder 1120 may be directed toward the opening portion 1031 ofthe cover 1030 on which the light is incident.

The rotation holder 1120 on which the reflective member 1110 is mountedmay be mounted to be movable in the internal space of the housing 1010.For example, the rotation holder 1120 may be mounted in the housing 1010to be rotatable around a first axis (the X-axis) and a second axis (theY-axis). The first axis (the X-axis) and the second axis (the Y-axis)may refer to axes perpendicular to the optical axis (the Z-axis), andmay be perpendicular to each other.

The rotation holder 1120 may be supported in the housing 1010 by thefirst ball bearings 1131 aligned along the first axis (the X-axis) andthe second ball bearings 1133 aligned along the second axis (the Y-axis)such that the rotation holder 1120 rotates smoothly around the firstaxis (the X-axis) and the second axis (the Y-axis). As an example, twofirst ball bearings 1131 aligned along the first axis (the X-axis) andtwo second ball bearings 1133 aligned along the second axis (the Y-axis)are be illustrated in the drawings. The rotation holder 1120 may rotatearound the first axis (the X-axis) and the second axis (the Y-axis) bythe first driving portion 1140, as described below.

Further, the first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133may be provided on a front surface and a rear surface of the rotationplate 1130, respectively (or alternatively, the first ball bearings 1131and the second ball bearings 1133 may be provided on a rear surface anda front surface of the rotation plate 1130, respectively; that is, thefirst ball bearings 1131 may be aligned along the second axis (theY-axis) and the second ball bearings 1133 may be aligned along the firstaxis (the X-axis); the structure illustrated in the drawing willhereinafter be described for convenience of explanation). The rotationplate 1130 may be provided between the rotation holder 1120 and theinternal surface of the housing 1010.

The rotation holder 1120 may be supported in the housing 1010 via therotation plate 1130 by the attractive force between the pulling magnet1151 or the pulling yoke provided on the rotation holder 1120 and thepulling yoke 1153 or the pulling magnet provided on the housing 1010(the first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133 may bealso provided between the rotation holder 1120 and the housing 1010).

The guide grooves 1132 and 1134 may be provided on the front surface andthe rear surface of the rotation plate 1130 such that the first ballbearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133 are inserted,respectively. The guide grooves 1132 and 1134 may include first guidegrooves 1132 into which the first ball bearings 1131 are partiallyinserted, and second guide grooves 1134 into which the second ballbearings 1133 are partially inserted.

The housing 1010 may be provided with third guide grooves 1021 intowhich the first ball bearings 1131 are partially inserted, and therotation holder 1120 may be provided with fourth guide grooves 1121 intowhich the second ball bearings 1133 are partially inserted.

The first guide grooves 1132, the second guide grooves 1134, the thirdguide grooves 1021, and the fourth guide grooves 1121 described abovemay be provided in a hemispherical or polygonal (polyprismatic orpolypyramidal) groove shape such that the first ball bearings 1131 andthe second ball bearings 1133 may easily rotate therein.

The first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133 may serveas bearings while rolling or sliding in the first guide grooves 1132,the second guide grooves 1134, the third guide grooves 1021, and thefourth guide grooves 1121.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 9B, the first ball bearings 1131 a andthe second ball bearings 1133 a may be fixed to both surfaces of therotation plate 1130, respectively.

The configuration is not limited thereto, and the first ball bearings1131 a and the second ball bearings 1133 a may have a structure in whichthey may be fixedly provided in at least one of the housing 1010, therotation plate 1130, and the rotation holder 1120. For example, thefirst ball bearings 1131 a may be fixedly provided in the housing 1010or on the rotation plate 1130, and the second ball bearings 1133 a maybe fixedly provided on the rotation plate 1130 or the rotation holder1120. In this case, only a member facing a member in which the firstball bearings 1131 a or the second ball bearings 1133 b are fixedlyprovided may be provided with the guide grooves, and the ball bearingsmay serve as friction bearings by sliding rather than rotating.

Further, the first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings 1133may be separately manufactured and then attached to any one of thehousing 1010, the rotation plate 1130 and the rotation holder 1120.Alternatively, the first ball bearings 1131 and the second ball bearings1133 may be provided integrally with the housing 1010, the rotationplate 1130, or the rotation holder 1120 at the time of manufacturing thehousing 1010, the rotation plate 1130, or the rotation holder 1120.

The first driving portion 1140 generates driving force such that therotation holder 1120 may be rotatable around the two axes.

As an example, the first driving portion 1140 may include a plurality ofmagnets 1141 a, 1143 a, and 1145 a, and the plurality of coils 1141 b,1143 b, and 1145 b arranged to face the plurality of magnets 1141 a,1143 a, and 1145 a, respectively.

When power is applied to the plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145b, the rotation holder 1120 on which the magnets 1141 a, 1143 a, and1145 a may be mounted may be rotated around the first axis (the X-axis)and the second axis (the Y-axis) by an electromagnetic effect betweenthe plurality of magnets 1141 a, 1143 a, and 1145 a, and the pluralityof coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145 b.

The plurality of magnets 1141 a, 1143 a, and 1145 a may be mounted onthe rotation holder 1120. As an example, the magnet 1141 a may bemounted on a lower surface of the rotation holder 1120, and theremaining magnets 1143 a and 1145 a may be mounted on side surfaces ofthe rotation holder 1120.

The plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145 b may be mounted on thehousing 1010. As an example, the plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and1145 b may be mounted on the housing 1010 through the main board 1070.The plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145 b may be provided on themain board 1070, while the main board 1070 may be mounted on the housing1010.

In the drawings, an example in which the main board 1070 may beintegrally provided such that both the coils for the reflection module1100 and those for the lens module 1200 may be mounted thereon isillustrated. The main board 1070 may be provided as at least twoseparate boards on which the coils for the reflection module 1100 andthe coils for the lens module 1200 may be mounted, respectively.

A closed loop control method involving sensing a position of therotation holder 1120 and providing feedback may be used when rotatingthe rotation holder 1120.

Therefore, position detection sensors 1141 c and 1143 c may be requiredfor the closed loop control. The position detection sensors 1141 c and1143 c may be Hall sensors.

The position detection sensors 1141 c and 1143 c may be disposed insideor outside of the coils 1141 b and 1143 b, respectively, and may bemounted on the main board 1070 on which each of the coils 1141 b and1143 b is mounted.

The main board 1070 may be provided with a gyro sensor (not illustrated)sensing a shaking factor such as a hand-shake or other user movement,and may be provided with a driver integrated circuit (IC; notillustrated) providing a driving signal to the plurality of coils 1141b, 1143 b, and 1145 b.

When the rotation holder 1120 rotates around the first axis (theX-axis), the rotation plate 1130 may rotate around the first ballbearings 1131 arranged along the first axis (the X-axis), which makesthe rotation holder 1120 rotate as well (in this case, the rotationholder 1120 may not move relative to the rotation plate 1130).

Further, when the rotation holder 1120 rotates around the second axis(the Y-axis), the rotation holder 1120 rotates around the second ballbearings 1133 arranged along the second axis (the Y-axis) (in this case,the rotation plate 1130 may not rotate, and the rotation holder 1120 maythus move relative to the rotation plate 1130).

For example, when the rotation holder 1120 rotates around the first axis(the X-axis), the first ball bearings 1131 may operate, and when therotation holder 1120 rotates around the second axis (the Y-axis), thesecond ball bearings 1133 may operate. This is because, as illustratedin the drawings, the second ball bearings 1133 aligned along the secondaxis (the Y-axis) cannot move while being fitted into the guide grooves1134 and 1121 when the rotation holder 1120 rotates around the firstaxis (the X-axis), and the first ball bearings 1131 aligned along thefirst axis (the X-axis) cannot move while being fitted into the guidegrooves 1021 and 1132 when the rotation holder 1120 rotates around thesecond axis (the Y-axis).

The light which has reflected on the reflection module 1100 may beincident on the lens module 1200. The incident light may be implementedby the AF or zoom function by moving the optical axis direction (Z-axis)of at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 provided in the lensmodule 1200.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the two lens barrels 1210 and 1220 at the rear maybe responsible for the zoom function, and the lens barrel 1230 at thefront may be responsible for the AF function. Further, the three lensbarrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be responsible for the zoom and AFfunctions in various combinations.

Various deformations may be additionally controlled. Referring to FIG.6B, for example, the rear two lens barrels 1210 and 1220, individuallyor in common, perform the zoom or AF function, where, for example, thetwo lens barrels 1210 and 1220 combine to perform the zoom function, andthe lens barrel 1210 at the rearmost may be further responsible for theAF function, and the front lens barrel 1230 may remain fixed to thehousing 1010. Further, although not illustrated in the drawings, any oneof the three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may remain fixed to thehousing 1010 while the remaining two lens barrels may be responsible forthe zoom or AF function, individually or in common. In this case, thelens barrel (for example, lens barrel 1230) fixed to the housing 1010does not require ball bearings or the like interposed between a drivingmagnet or a coil facing thereto and the housing 1010.

The housing may be configured to include a space in which the one frontlens barrel 1230 and two rear lens barrels 1210 and 1220 may bepartitioned by the protruding wall 1009, but may be not limited to sucha configuration. The three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may beprovided in a same space or partitioned in separate spaces.

The plurality of stacked lens groups provided in the lens module 1200may be divided into at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230,respectively. Even when the plurality of stacked lens groups is dividedand provided in at least three lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230, theoptical axis may be aligned in the Z-axis direction, a direction inwhich light may be emitted from the reflection module 1100.

The lens module 1200 may include the second driving portion 1240 toimplement the AF and zoom functions.

The lens module 1220 may include at least three lens barrels, the firstlens barrel 1210, the second lens barrel 1220, and the third lens barrel1230, in the internal space of the housing 1010, and may include thesecond driving portion 1240 moving the three lens barrels 1210, 1220,and 1230 in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction with respect to thehousing 1010.

The first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be configuredto move approximately in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction for theAF or zoom function.

In this regard, the second driving portion 1240 generates driving forceto move the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 in theoptical axis (the Z-axis) direction. For example, the second drivingportion 1240 enables the implementation of the AF or zoom function bymoving the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 individuallyin the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction.

The first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be configuredto be supported on a bottom surface of the housing 1010. For example,the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may be individuallysupported by ball bearings on the bottom surface of the housing 1010.Hereinafter, an example in which the first to third lens barrels 1210,1220, and 1230 may be individually supported by ball bearings on thebottom surface of the housing 1010 will be mainly described.

As an example, the second driving portion 1240 may include a pluralityof magnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245 a, and the plurality of coils 1241b, 1243 b, and 1245 b disposed to face the magnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and1245 a, respectively.

When power is applied to the coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b, the firstto third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 on which the magnets 1241 a,1243 a, and 1245 a may be separately mounted may be moved in the opticalaxis (the Z-axis) direction by an electromagnetic effect between themagnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245 a and the coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and1245 b.

The plurality of magnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245 a may be separatelymounted on the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230. As anexample, the first magnet 1241 a may be mounted on a side surface of thefirst lens barrel 1210, and the second magnet 1243 a may be mounted on aside surface of the second lens barrel 1220, while the third magnet 1245a may be mounted on a side surface of the third lens barrel 1230.

The plurality of coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b may be mounted on thehousing 1010 to face the plurality of magnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245a, respectively. As the plurality of magnets 1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245 amay be provided on both side surfaces of the first to third lens barrels1210, 1220, and 1230, and the plurality of coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and1245 b may be provided on both side walls to face each other.

As an example, the main board 1070 may be mounted on the housing 1010,while having the plurality of coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b mountedthereon.

A closed loop control method involving sensing positions of the first tothird lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 and providing feedback may beused when moving the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230.Therefore, position detection sensors 1241 c, 1243 c, and 1245 c may berequired for the closed loop control. The position detection sensors1241 c, 1243 c, and 1245 c may be Hall sensors.

The position detection sensors 1241 c, 1243 c, and 1245 c may bedisposed inside or outside of the coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b,respectively, and may be mounted on the main board 1070 on which each ofthe coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b may be mounted.

In the drawings, the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lens barrel1220 may be driven by a pair of coils and magnets. In this case, coilsand magnets may be provided on any one side. The coils and the magnetsmay have somewhat increased sizes to enhance the driving force. In suchcase, a plurality of position detection sensors 1241 c and 1243 c may beprovided for accurate position sensing. In the drawings, four positiondetection sensors 1241 c and 1243 c may be provided inside each of thecoils 1241 b and 1243 b driving the first lens barrel 1210 and thesecond lens barrel 1220. This is because the first lens barrel 1210 andthe second lens barrel 1220 may be moved a considerable distance in theoptical axis direction to implement a zoom, such that a sufficientnumber of Hall sensors to sense the correct position should be provided.

The first lens barrel 1210 may be provided in the housing 1010 to bemovable in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. As an example, aplurality of third ball bearings 1215 may be disposed between the firstlens barrel 1210 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010.

The plurality of third ball bearings 1215 serve as bearings guidingmovements of the first lens barrel 1210 in a process of implementing theAF and zoom functions.

The plurality of third ball bearings 1215 may be configured to roll inthe optical axis (the Z-axis) direction when driving force moving thefirst lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction isgenerated. Therefore, the plurality of third ball bearings 1215 guidethe movement of the first lens barrel 1210 in the optical axis (theZ-axis) direction.

A plurality of guide grooves 1214 and 1013, 1014 accommodating the thirdball bearings 1215 therein may be formed on a facing bottom surface ofthe first lens barrel 1210 and on the bottom surface of the housing 1010facing the first lens barrel 1210, and some of the guide grooves may beelongated in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction.

The plurality of third ball bearings 1215 may be accommodated in theguide grooves 1214 and 1013, 1014, and may be inserted to fit betweenthe first lens barrel 1210 and the housing 1010.

Some or all of the guide grooves 1214 and 1013, 1014 may be elongated inthe optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. Further, cross sections of theguide grooves 1214 and 1013, 1014 may have various shapes, such as arounded shape and a polygonal shape.

In this case, the first lens barrel 1210 may be pressed toward thebottom of the housing 1010 such that the plurality of third ballbearings 1215 may remain in contact with the first lens barrel 1210 andthe housing 1010. To this end, a pulling yoke 1016 (for example, seeFIG. 10 ) may be mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 1010 toface a pulling magnet 1216 (for example, see FIG. 10 ) mounted on thelower surface of the first lens barrel 1210. The pulling yoke 1016 maybe formed of a magnetic material. A pulling magnet may be mounted on thebottom surface of the housing 1010, and a pulling yoke may be mounted ona lower surface of the first lens barrel 1210.

The coil 1241 b driving the first lens barrel 1210 may be provided onone side surface of the housing 1010. In this case, the electromagneticforce acts on one side surface of the first lens barrel 1210, and thusthe pulling magnet 1216 and the pulling yoke 1016 may be biased towardone side surface from a center of the housing 1010 in order tofacilitate driving of the first lens barrel 1210. The first lens barrel1210 may include a main body portion 1210 a and a magnet-mountingportion 1210 b extending to a side surface of the second lens barrel1220 in the optical axis direction in order to increase a side of themagnet 1241 a to enhance driving force. Further, in order to increase aside of the magnet 1243 a for enhanced driving force, the second lensbarrel 1220 may include a main body portion 1220 a and a magnet-mountingportion 1220 b extending to a side surface of the first lens barrel 1210in the optical axis direction.

The coil 1243 b driving the second lens barrel 1220 may be provided onthe other side surface, which may be an opposite side surface of the oneside surface of the housing 1010 on which the coil 1241 b may beprovided. In this case, as electromagnetic force may be applied to theother side surface of the second lens barrel 1220, a pulling magnet 1226and a pulling yoke 1017 (for example, see FIG. 10 ) may be biased towardthe other side surface from the center of the housing 1010 in order tofacilitate driving of the second lens barrel 1220.

Further, the coil 1245 b driving the third lens barrel 1230 may beprovided on both side surfaces or one side surface of the housing 1010.When the coil 1245 b is provided on only one side of the housing 1010, apulling magnet 1236 and a pulling yoke 1018 (for example, see FIG. 10 )may be biased toward one side surface from the center of the housing1010 in order to facilitate the driving of the third lens barrel 1230,similarly to the first and second lens barrels 1210 and 1220. However,this refers to a case in which the coils driving the lens barrels 1210,1220, and 1230 may only be provided on one side surface of the one sidesurface and the other side surface. When the coils are provided on bothside surfaces, a pulling magnet and a pulling yoke may be providedapproximately at the center of the housing 1010.

The second lens barrel 1220 may be disposed in the housing 1010 to bemovable in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. As an example, thesecond lens barrel 1220 may be disposed in parallel with the first lensbarrel 1210 in the optical axis direction in front of the first lensbarrel 1210.

A plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 may be disposed between thesecond lens barrel 1220 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010, andthe second lens barrel 1220 may be slid or rolled with respect to thehousing 1010 by the fourth ball bearings 1225.

The plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 may be configured to assistin a rolling or sliding motion of the second lens barrel 1220 in theoptical axis direction (the Z-axis direction) when driving force may begenerated such that the second lens barrel 1220 moves in the opticalaxis (the Z-axis) direction.

A plurality of guide grooves 1224 and 1013, 1014 accommodating thefourth ball bearings 1225 therein may be formed on a facing bottomsurface of the second lens barrel 1220 and the housing 1010, and some ofthe guide grooves may be elongated in the optical axis (the Z-axis)direction.

The plurality of fourth ball bearings 1225 may be accommodated in theguide grooves 1224 and 1013, 1014 and may be inserted to fit between thesecond lens barrel 1220 and the housing 1010.

Each of the plurality of guide grooves 1224 and 1013, 1014 may beelongated in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. Further, crosssections of the guide grooves 1224 and 1013, 1014 may be in variousshapes such as a rounded shape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

The second lens barrel 1220 may be pressed toward the bottom surface ofthe housing 1010 such that the fourth ball bearings 1225 may remain incontact with the second lens barrel 1220 and the housing 1010.

To this end, the pulling yoke 1017 may be mounted on the bottom surfaceof the housing 1010 to face the pulling magnet 1226 mounted on thesecond lens barrel 1220. The pulling yoke 1017 may be a magneticmaterial. A pulling magnet may be mounted on a bottom surface of thehousing 1010, and a pulling yoke may be mounted on a lower surface ofthe second lens barrel 1220.

The third lens barrel 1230 may be disposed in the housing 1010 to bemovable in the optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. As an example, thethird lens barrel 1230 may be disposed in parallel with the second lensbarrel 1220 in the optical axis direction in front of the second lensbarrel 1220.

A plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 may be disposed between thethird lens barrel 1230 and the bottom surface of the housing 1010, andthe third lens barrel 1230 may be slid or rolled with respect to thehousing 1010 by the fifth ball bearings 1235.

The plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 may be configured to assist ina rolling or sliding motion of the third lens barrel 1230 in the opticalaxis direction (the Z-axis direction) when driving force is generated,such that the third lens barrel 1230 moves in the optical axis (theZ-axis) direction.

A plurality of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 accommodating the fifth ballbearings 1235 therein may be formed on a facing bottom surface of thethird lens barrel 1230 and the housing 1010, and some of the guidegrooves 1234 and 1015 may be elongated in the optical axis (the Z-axis)direction.

The plurality of fifth ball bearings 1235 may be accommodated in theguide grooves 1234 and 1015, and may be inserted to fit between thethird lens barrel 1230 and the housing 1010.

Each of the plurality of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 may be elongated inthe optical axis (the Z-axis) direction. Further, cross sections of theguide grooves 1234 and 1015 may have various shapes such as a roundedshape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

In this case, the third lens barrel 1230 may be pressed toward thebottom surface of the housing 1010 such that the fifth ball bearings1235 may remain in contact with the third lens barrel 1230 and thehousing 1010.

To this end, the pulling yoke 1018 may be mounted on the bottom surfaceof the housing 1010 to face the pulling magnet 1236 mounted on the thirdlens barrel 1230. The pulling yoke 1018 may be a magnetic material. Apulling magnet may be mounted on a bottom surface of the housing 1010,and a pulling yoke may be mounted on a lower surface of the third lensbarrel 1230.

Guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015 provided in the housing 1010 to guidethe movements of the third to fifth ball bearings 1215, 1225, and 1235each may have a long groove shape extending in the optical axisdirection, or be a guide groove in which at least two of the guidegrooves may be mutually connected to each other. In the case of theguide groove in which at least two of the guide grooves 1013, 1014, and1015 may be interconnected, the first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220,and 1230 may be easily aligned in the optical axis direction.

An example in which the guide groves 1013 and 1014 provided in movingpaths of the first and second lens barrels 1210 and 1220 may be providedas a single guide groove in which they may be connected to each otherand the third lens barrel 1230 may be separately provided, may beillustrated. Although not limited thereto, the guide grooves may beprovided in the form in which only the guide grooves 1014 and 1015 usedfor the movements of the second and third lens barrels 1220 and 1230 maybe connected to each other or in which all the guide grooves 1013, 1014,and 1015 may be connected.

At least some of the guide grooves 1214, 1224, and 1234 of the first tothird lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 may protrude toward the bottomof the housing 1010 on both sides of the optical axis, and thus, may beprovided with anti-separation protrusions 1213, 1223, and 1233 toprevent separation of the ball bearings 1215, 1225, and 1235. Theanti-separation protrusions 1213, 1223, and 1233 may be providedcorresponding to the shape of the guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015provided in the housing 1010. When the first to third lens barrels 1210,1220, and 1230 move in the optical axis direction, the anti-separationprotrusions 1213, 1223, and 1233 may be provided to have a space not tocontact the bottom of the guide grooves 1013, 1014, and 1015.

The anti-separation protrusions are not limited to those provided in thefirst to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230, and may be provided inthe housing 1010 on the same principle.

Further, referring to FIG. 13A, the housing 1010 according to anotherexample of the present disclosure may be moved by guide grooves 1013 a,1013 b, 1014 a, and 1014 b in which the first and second lens barrels1210 and 1220 are respectively different. For example, the housing 1010may include a total of four first guide grooves 1013 a and 1013 b andsecond guide grooves 1014 a and 1014 b respectively provided separately,and the first lens barrel 1210 may be supported by the third ballbearing 1215 fitted to the first guide grooves 1013 a and 1013 b, andthe second lens barrel 1220 may be supported by the fourth ball bearing1225 fitted to the second guide grooves 1014 a and 1014 b.

In this case, since the first lens barrel 1210 and the second lensbarrel 1220 may be somewhat staggered in a direction perpendicular tothe optical axis direction, each of extension portions 1219 and 1229 maysufficiently move in the optical axis direction without interference.Therefore, the zoom performance may be further improved.

The first to third lens barrels 1210, 1220, and 1230 according to thisexample may be sequentially provided in the optical axis direction, andthe first and second lens barrels 1210 and 1220 may be respectivelyprovided with coils 1241 b and 1243 b and magnets 1241 a and 1243 a. Inaddition, as illustrated, the third lens barrel 1230 may be providedwith a coil 1245 b and a magnet 1245 a on one side thereof. The magnets1241 a, 1243 a, and 1245 a provided in the first to third lens barrels1210, 1220, and 1230 may be alternately arranged in one side and theother side in a zigzag manner, to minimize the mutual electromagneticeffects.

Since the first and second lens barrels 1210 and 1220 according to thisexample may be moved in the optical axis direction for realizing zoom orauto focus in one space partitioned by the protruding wall(s) 1009, theymay be in contact with each other. In this case, it is not possible toaccurately control the optical axis direction position due to a brokenor excessive stroke.

Therefore, in this example, the stopper 1060 may be provided to controlthe movement of the first and second lens barrels 1210 and 1220,respectively. The stopper 1060 may include a first stopper 1061 limitinga moving distance of the first lens barrel 1210, and a second stopper1062 limiting a moving distance of the second lens barrel 1220. Thefirst stopper 1061 and the second stopper 1062 may be providedseparately, or may be interconnected structures.

The stopper 1060 may include the first stopper 1061 and the secondstopper 1062. A first frame 1061 a and a second frame 1062 a to bedescribed below may be integrally connected, or may be separatelyprovided. The first frame 1061 a and the second frame 1062 a may havedamping materials 1061 d and 1062 d in portions facing the first andsecond lens barrels 1210 and 1220, to absorb impact of the first andsecond lens barrels 1210 and 1220 moving upwardly.

The first stopper 1061 may include the first frame 1061 a, a firstextension portion 1061 b extending from the first frame 1061 a in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a firstdamping material 1061 c provided in first extension portion 1061 b. Thefirst damping material 1061 c may be fitted to a hole, provided in thefirst extension portion 1061 b, to protrude from both sides of the firstextension portion 1061 b, or may be fixed on both sides of the firstextension portion 1061 b by bonding using an adhesive. The first frame1061 a may be mounted on the side wall and the wall on the other end ofthe housing 1010 to cover the upper portion of the first lens barrel1210 in which the extension portion 1219 is provided. The firstextension portion 1061 b and the first damping material 1061 c may befitted between one side of the second lens barrel 1220 and theprotruding wall 1009. For example, the housing may be provided with aninsertion groove 1011 into which the first frame 1061 a and the firstextension portion 1061 b are fitted. The insertion groove 1011 mayinclude a first insertion groove 1011 a provided along the internal sideof the upper edge of the housing 1010, and a second insertion groove1011 b extending downwardly perpendicular to the optical axis directionfrom one end of the first insertion groove 1011 a. The first frame 1061a may be mounted on the first insertion groove 1011 a, and the firstextension portion 1061 b may be fitted to the second insertion groove1011 b. Of course, the first frame 1061 a may be further fixed to thehousing 1010 by bonding with an adhesive.

Since the first extension portion 1061 b and the first damping material1061 c extend from an upper portion of the extension portion 1229 of thesecond lens barrel 1220 to the lower portion, a second space portion1221, which may be a space secured to allow the first extension portion1061 b and the first damping material 1061 c to extend, may be providedin the upper portion of the extension portion 1229 of the second lensbarrel 1220 for securing space.

Therefore, the first lens barrel 1210 may be controlled to only movebetween the other end of the housing 1010 and the first damping material1061 c fitted to a front portion of the protruding wall 1009.

The second stopper 1062 may include a second frame 1062 a, a secondextension portion 1062 b extending from the second frame 1062 a in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a seconddamping material 1062 c provided in the second extension portion 1062 b.The second damping material 1062 c may be fitted into a hole provided inthe second extension portion 1062 b to protrude from both sides of thesecond extension portion 1062 b, or may be fixed on both sides of thesecond extension portion 1062 b by bonding using an adhesive. The secondframe 1062 a may be mounted on the upper portion of the housing 1010 andthe protruding wall 1009 to cover an upper portion of one side in whichthe extension portion 1229 is provided in the second lens barrel 1220.The second extension portion 1062 b and the second damping material 1062c may be fitted between the other side of the first lens barrel 1210 andthe other internal wall of the housing 1010. For example, the housingmay be provided with an insertion groove 1012 into which the secondframe 1062 a and the second extension portion 1062 b are fitted. Theinsertion groove 1012 may include a first insertion groove 1012 aprovided along the internal side of the upper edge of the housing 1010,and a second insertion groove 1012 b extending downwardly from one endof the first insertion groove 1012 a in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis direction. The second frame 1062 a may be mounted on thefirst insertion groove 1012 a, and the second extension portion 1062 bmay be fitted to the second insertion groove 1012 b. Of course, thesecond frame 1062 a may be further fixed to the housing 1010 by bondingwith an adhesive.

Since the second extension portion 1062 b and the second dampingmaterial 1062 c extend downwardly from the upper portion of theextension portion 1219 of the first lens barrel 1210, a first spaceportion 1211, which may be a space secured to allow the second extensionportion 1062 b and the second damping material 1062 c to extend, may beprovided in the upper portion of the extension portion 1219 of the firstlens barrel 1210 for securing space.

Therefore, the second lens barrel 1220 may be controlled to only movebetween the protruding wall 1009 and the second damping material 1062 cfitted to the front of the other end of the housing 1010.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a mechanism for guiding a position in which athird lens barrel 1230 is fixed to a housing 1010 is illustrated.

For example, the housing 1010 of the camera module 1000 may be providedwith the damper 1050 for damping the rotation holder 1100, and thedamping material 1053 may be provided in the extension portion 1052 ofthe damper 1050 to protrude in both directions of the optical axis. Theprotruding wall 1009 that protrudes into an internal space andpartitions a space in which the first and second lens barrels 1210 and1220 are provided and a space in which the third lens barrel 1230 isprovided may be included.

Thus, the third lens barrel 1230 may be fitted to the housing 1010 suchthat the protrusion wall 1009 is used as an assembly reference surfaceand one side is supported by the damping material 1053. Since thedamping material 1053 has elastic force, the third lens barrel 1230 maybe fitted between the damping material 1053 and the protruding wall 1009in a somewhat indented manner. Alternatively, the third lens barrel 1230may be fitted to the housing 1010 first, and then the damping material1053 of the damper 1050 may be inserted to press the third lens barrel1230. An adhesive may be injected between the third lens barrel 1230 andside wall or bottom of the housing 1010 such that they are bonded toeach other.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , another example of a mechanism in whichone of zoom lenses according to an example is accurately fixed in apredetermined position is illustrated.

In this example, since the third lens barrel 1230 is fixed to thehousing 1010, a bearing required to move the third lens barrel 1230 maybe unnecessary in principle. This example discloses a mechanism in whichthe third lens barrel 1230 is accurately disposed in a predeterminedposition in the housing 1010 using a ball member. After the third lensbarrel 1230 is disposed in the housing 1010, an adhesive may be injectedbetween the third lens barrel 1230 and side wall or bottom of thehousing 1010 such that they may be bonded to each other.

First, referring to FIG. 15 , the third lens barrel 1230 may be mountedwith at least three ball members 1235 between a bottom of the housing1010. Guide grooves 1234 and 1015 into which the ball members areinserted may be provided in portions in which the third lens barrel 1230and the housing 1010 face each other, and these guide grooves may beprovided individually for each ball member.

A pair of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 provided in the third lens barrel1230 and the housing 1010 into which the ball members 1235 arerespectively inserted may be provided with the same shape as each other(the ball member may be in contact with the third lens barrel 1230 andthe guide grooves of the housing 1010 at a point), the three guidegrooves provided in the third lens barrel 1230 or the housing 1010,respectively, may be provided as the shape illustrated in the enlargedview of FIG. 15 ({circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, and {circlearound (3)}). First, {circle around (1)} may be a guide groove formed bycutting all corners in the shape of a triangular pyramid, may allow theball members 1235 to only contact three surfaces of which a dot isdrawn, and may constrain the third lens barrel 1230 in the optical axis(the Z-axis) direction, the X-axis direction perpendicular to theoptical axis direction, and the Y-axis direction perpendicular to theoptical axis and the X axis directions, {circle around (2)} may be aguide groove viewed as having a ‘V’ shaped groove (in this case, abottom thereof may be cut), elongated in the optical axis direction, mayallow the ball members 1235 to only contact two surfaces of which a dotis drawn, and may constrain the third lens barrel 1230 in the X-axis andY-axis directions, and {circle around (3)} may be a guide groove havinga long and flat bottom in the optical axis direction, may allow the ballmembers 1235 to only contact one surface of which a dot is drawn, andmay constrain the third lens barrel 1230 in the Y-axis direction. As aresult, since the X, Y, and Z axis directions of the third lens barrel1230 may be constrained by the conditions of {circle around (1)},{circle around (2)}, and {circle around (3)}, the third lens barrel 1230may be accurately positioned by simply placing the ball members 1235 forinserting the third lens barrel 1230 into the guide grooves 1234 and1015 into the housing 1010.

Next, referring to FIG. 16 , the third lens barrel 1230 may be mountedwith at least three ball members 1235 between a bottom of the housing1010. Guide grooves 1234 and 1015 into which the ball members areinserted may be provided at portions in which the third lens barrel 1230and the housing 1010 face each other, and these guide grooves 1234 and1015 may be provided individually for each ball member.

A pair of guide grooves 1234 and 1015 provided in the third lens barrel1230 and the housing 1010 into which the ball members 1235 arerespectively inserted may be provided differently from each other, andthe other two may be provided in the same shape with each other. Forexample, in the following three, {circle around (1)} may be a guidegroove having a pair of side wall projections P in which one side shouldprotrude and the other side should be inserted such that the guidegrooves have different shapes.

The three guide grooves provided in the third lens barrel 1230 or thehousing 1010, respectively, may be provided as the shape illustrated inthe enlarged view of FIG. 16 ({circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)},and {circle around (3)}). First, {circle around (1)} may have a shape inwhich one of the third lens barrel 1230 or the housing 1010 includes a‘V’ groove (in this case, a bottom thereof may be cut) and side wallprotrusions P protruding from both sides, may allow the ball members1235 to contact four surfaces dotted on one of the guide grooves andonly contact two side walls of the ‘V’ grooves on the other guidegroove, and thereby restraining in the optical axis (the Z-axis)direction, the X-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection, and the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axisand the X axis directions. {circle around (2)} may be a guide grooveviewed as having a ‘V’ shaped groove (in this case, a bottom thereof maybe cut), long in the optical axis direction, may allow the ball members1235 to only contact two surfaces of which a dot is drawn, and mayconstrain the third lens barrel 1230 in the X-axis and Y-axisdirections, and {circle around (3)} may be a guide groove having a longand flat bottom in the optical axis direction, may allow the ballmembers 1235 to only contact one surface of which a dot is drawn, andmay constrain the third lens barrel 1230 in the Y-axis direction. As aresult, since the X, Y, and Z axis directions of the third lens barrel1230 may be constrained by the conditions of {circle around (1)},{circle around (2)}, and {circle around (3)}, the third lens barrel 1230may be accurately positioned by simply placing the ball members 1235 forinserting the third lens barrel 1230 into the guide grooves 1234 and1015 into the housing 1010.

FIGS. 17A through 21B are views illustrating a positional relationshipbetween a magnet and four Hall sensors, provided in a lens barrelaccording to an example, and are graphs illustrating sensing values offour Hall sensors according to movement of the lens barrel in thepositional relationship. FIGS. 17A through 21B include graphsillustrating individual sensing values and the sum of all sensing valuesof Hall sensors according to optical axis movement of a lens barrelaccording to an arrangement of the Hall sensors in various examples,provided to face the lens barrel moving in the optical axis (Z-axis)direction, for example, a first or second lens barrel.

First, referring to FIG. 17A, a lens barrel moving in the optical axis(Z-axis) direction, for example, a first or second lens barrel 1210 or1220, may move a considerable distance in the optical axis direction toperform a zoom or auto focus function, and a position according to thedistance movement may be sensed with Hall sensors 1241 c or 1243 c asaccurately as possible.

Therefore, in this example, a plurality of position detection sensors,for example, the Hall sensors 1241 c or 1243 c, are provided to face themagnet 1241 a or 1243 a provided in the first or second lens barrel 1210or 1220. More specifically, a set including four position detectionsensors, for example, the Hall sensors 1241 c or 1243 c may be provided.

In this example, the magnet may be a magnet used to drive the lensbarrel or may be provided separately from the lens barrel for positionsensing, irrespective of the driving. Hereinafter, the magnet may bealso a magnet used to drive the lens barrel or may be providedseparately from the lens barrel for position sensing, irrespective ofthe driving, even in the position sensing structure of the lens barrelaccording to another example.

In this example, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to have anN pole and an S pole in a direction parallel to the optical axis, whichis the moving direction of the first or second lens barrel 1210 or 1220.For example, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be a two-pole magnetmagnetized to have the N pole and the S pole in the optical axisdirection (in this case, there may be a ‘neutral region’ between the Npole and the S pole). Alternatively, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may berespectively magnetized to have one pole, such that the two magnetshaving the N pole and the S pole may be sequentially arranged on asurface facing the coil 1241 b or 1243 b in the optical axis direction(in this case, the N pole and the S pole may be in close contact or maybe spaced apart to have ‘interval’ between the N pole and the S pole).In all examples, the term ‘interval region’ may be also used as a termincluding the ‘neutral region’ and the ‘interval.’

The magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to face the coil 1241 b or1243 b.

In this case, in a non-driven state in which no power is applied to thecoil 1241 b or 1243 b, the Hall sensors (Hall 1, Hall 2, Hall3, and Hall4) 1241 c or 1243 c respectively facing the N and S poles of the magnet1241 a or 1243 a may be provided, and the four Hall sensors may bearranged side by side inside a coiled portion of the coil 1241 b or 1243b in the moving direction of the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a. The four Hallsensors may be spaced apart by the same distance, or the Hall sensors(Hall 1 to Hall 4) arranged on the N pole and the S pole about a neutralregion of the magnet may be provided symmetrically.

In this manner, when the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a and the four Hallsensors 1241 c or 1243 c are arranged, and the magnet 1241 a or 1243 amoves in both directions (+ or − direction) at the correspondingpositions, the four Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 4) may have respectivesensing values according to positions of the magnet, as illustrated inFIG. 17B. In addition, it can be seen that when these values are summed(Hall 1+Hall 2+Hall 3+Hall 4), the total hall sensing values (HallSignal) may increase or decrease in approximate proportion to themovement of the magnet. In addition, the total hall sensing valuessummed within the moving range of the magnet may have different values.For example, it can be seen that the value of ‘Hall Signal’ in FIG. 17Bhas different values in the range of −2 to 2 mm.

As a result, it may be difficult to sense the position of the magnetaccording to a relatively long distance movement with one or arelatively small number of Hall sensors, but it can be seen that whenthe plurality of Hall sensors (e.g., four) are used, although the magnetmay travel a relatively long distance, it is possible to more accuratelysense the position.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 19A, other examples in which only the numberof Hall sensors is changed in the positional relationship illustrated inFIG. 17A are illustrated. Referring to FIGS. 18B and 19B, it can be seenthat the sensing signal (Hall Signal) in which these are sensed andvalues thereby are summed may increase or decrease in approximateproportion to the movement of the magnet.

In this case, in a non-driven state in which no power is applied to thecoil 1241 b or 1243 b, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a and the coil 1241 bor 1243 b may face each other in a direction facing their respectivecenter, and the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to havesubstantially the same distance of the N and S poles in the optical axisdirection.

In other examples of FIGS. 18A and 19A, the Hall sensors 1241 c or 1243c may be disposed inside the coil 1241 b or 1243 b, and the number ofHall sensors may be different from that illustrated in FIG. 17A.

For example, a plurality of position detection sensors (Hall sensors)1241 c or 1243 c provided to face the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a providedin the lens barrel movable in the optical axis direction, for example,the first or second lens barrel 1210 or 1220, for example, positiondetection sensors 1241 c or 1243 c composed of a set of three positiondetection sensors (FIG. 18A) or five position detection sensors (FIG.19A) may be provided. In another example, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 amay be provided to have the N pole and the S pole in a directionparallel to the optical axis, which is the moving direction of the firstor second lens barrel 1210 or 1220. For example, the magnet 1241 a or1243 a may be a two-pole magnet magnetized to have the N pole and the Spole in the optical axis direction (in this case, there may be a‘neutral region’ between the N pole and the S pole). Alternatively, themagnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be respectively magnetized to have one pole,such that the two magnets having the N pole and the S pole may besequentially arranged on a surface facing the coil 1241 b or 1243 b inthe optical axis direction (in this case, the N pole and the S pole maybe in close contact or may be spaced apart to have ‘interval’ betweenthe N pole and the S pole).

The magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may face one coil 1241 b or 1243 b. In thiscase, position detecting sensors (Hall sensors) respectively facing theN pole, the S pole, and the neutral region (or the ‘interval’) of themagnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided.

For example, the example illustrated in FIG. 18A may include threeposition detecting sensors (Hall sensors, Hall 1 to Hall 3) 1241 c or1243 c, and the three Hall sensors may be arranged side by side inside acoiled portion of the coil 1241 b or 1243 b in the moving direction ofthe magnet 1241 a or 1243 a. The three Hall sensors may be spaced apartby the same distance. Alternatively, the Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 3)may be provided to respectively face the N pole, the neutral region (orthe ‘interval’), and the S pole of the magnet.

The example illustrated in FIG. 19A may include five position detectingsensors (Hall sensors, Hall 1 to Hall 5) 1241 c or 1243 c, and the fiveHall sensors may be arranged side by side inside a coiled portion of thecoil 1241 b or 1243 b in the moving direction of the magnet 1241 a or1243 a. The five Hall sensors may be spaced apart by the same distance.For example, in a non-driven state in which no power is applied to thecoil 1241 b or 1243 b, the Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 5) may beprovided to respectively face the N pole, the neutral region (or the‘interval’), and the S pole of the magnet. For example, two Hall sensors(Hall 1 and Hall 2) facing the N pole, one Hall sensor (Hall 3) facingthe neutral region (or ‘interval’), and two Hall sensors (Hall 4 andHall 5) facing the S pole may be provided.

In this manner, when the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a and the three or fiveHall sensors 1241 c or 1243 c are arranged, and the magnet 1241 a or1243 a move in both directions (+ or − direction) at the correspondingpositions, the three or five Hall sensors may have respective sensingvalues according to positions of the magnets, as illustrated in FIG. 18B(three Hall sensors) or FIG. 19B (five Hall sensors). It can be seenthat when these values are summed (Hall 1+Hall 2+Hall 3, or Hall 1+Hall2+Hall 3+Hall 4+Hall 5), the total hall sensing values (Hall Signal) mayincrease or decrease in approximate proportion to the movement of themagnet.

The total hall sensing values summed within the moving range of themagnet may have different values. For example, it can be seen that thevalues of ‘Hall Signal’ in FIGS. 18B and 19B have different values inthe range of −2 to 2 mm.

As a result, it may be difficult to sense the position of the magnetaccording to a relatively long distance movement with one Hall sensor,but it can be seen that when two or more Hall sensors in an even number(e.g., FIG. 17A) or in an odd number (e.g., FIG. 18A and FIG. 19A) areused, although the magnet may travel a relatively long distance, it ispossible to more accurately sense the position. In this case, in anon-driven state in which no power is applied to the coil 1241 b or 1243b, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a and the coil 1241 b or 1243 b may faceeach other in a direction facing their respective center, and the magnet1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to have substantially the same distanceof the N and S poles in the optical axis direction.

Next, referring to FIG. 20A or 21A, a lens barrel moving in the opticalaxis direction, for example, a first or second lens barrel 1210 or 1220,may move a considerable distance in the optical axis direction toperform a zoom or auto focus function, and a position according to thedistance movement may be sensed with position detection sensors (Hallsensors) 1241 c or 1243 c as accurately as possible.

Therefore, in this example, a plurality of Hall sensors 1241 c or 1243c, for example, those composed of four or six Hall sensors as a set areprovided to face a magnet 1241 a or 1243 a provided in the first orsecond lens barrel 1210 or 1220.

The magnet in this example may be a magnet used to drive the lens barrelor may be provided separately from the lens barrel for position sensing.

In this example, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to have anN pole and an S pole alternately arranged in a direction parallel to theoptical axis, which is the moving direction of the first or second lensbarrel 1210 or 1220. For example, the magnet may be provided to have atleast poles (the N pole, the S pole, and the N pole) or poles (the Spole, the N pole, and the S pole) in the optical axis direction. Forexample, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be a three-pole magnetmagnetized to have at least three polarities, including the N pole andthe S pole, in the optical axis direction (in this case, there may be a‘neutral region’ between the N pole and the S pole). Alternatively, themagnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be respectively magnetized to have one pole,such that the at least three magnets having the N pole and the S polemay be sequentially arranged on a surface facing the coil 1241 b or 1243b in the optical axis direction (in this case, the N pole and the S polemay be in close contact or may be spaced apart to have ‘interval’between the N pole and the S pole).

The magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided to face the coil 1241 b or1243 b provided as a set composed of two coils (for example, coilsfacing the magnet may be at least two). In this case, the two coils 1241b or 1243 b may be disposed to face a center of a pole magnetized to thesame polarity on both sides.

Two or three Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 4 or Hall 1 to Hall 6) 1241 cor 1243 c respectively arranged to face two N poles or S poles on bothsides of the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be provided.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 20A, in a non-driven state in whichno power is applied to the coil 1241 b or 1243 b, when four Hall sensors(Hall 1 to Hall 4) are provided, total of four Hall sensors may bearranged to face the magnet, two at each of two left and right ends ofthe two N poles provided at both sides, with the S pole interposedtherebetween.

In addition, when six Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 6) are provided, asillustrated in FIG. 21A, two at the left and right ends of two N polesprovided at both sides with the S pole therebetween, i.e., three foreach pole, six Hall sensors in total may be arranged.

The Hall sensors (Hall 1 to Hall 4 or Hall 1 to Hall 6) 1241 c or 1243 cmay be arranged at equal intervals between sets facing the same polarityat different positions of the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 20A or 21A, arrangements of the Hall sensorsdisposed inside the coil 1241 b or 1243 b on the left and right sidesmay be substantially the same.

In this manner, when the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a and the four or sixHall sensors 1241 c or 1243 c are arranged, and the magnet 1241 a or1243 a move in both directions (+ or − direction) at the correspondingpositions, the four or six Hall sensors may have respective sensingvalues according to positions of the magnets, as illustrated in FIG. 20Bor FIG. 21B. In addition, it can be seen that when these values arepartially summed and subjected to subtraction, for example, subtractionof the sum of sensing values of all Hall sensors facing the otherpolarity of the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a from the sum of sensing valuesof all Hall sensors facing either polarity of the magnet 1241 a or 1243a, for example, {(Hall 1+Hall 2)−(Hall 3+Hall 4), or (Hall 1+Hall 2+Hall3)−(Hall 4+Hall 5+Hall 6)}, the total hall sensing values (Hall Signal)may increase or decrease in approximate proportion to the movement ofthe magnet. In addition, the total hall sensing values summed within themoving range of the magnet may have different values. For example, itcan be seen that the values of ‘Hall Signal’ in FIGS. 20B and 21B havedifferent values in the range of −2 to 2 mm.

As a result, it may be difficult to sense the position of the magnetaccording to a relatively long distance movement with one Hall sensor,but it can be seen that when four or six Hall sensors are used, althoughthe magnet may travel a relatively long distance, it is possible to moreaccurately sense the position. Of course, the number of Hall sensors isnot limited thereto, and it is applicable when two or more Hall sensorsare dividedly arranged to face the same polarity in both sides of thethree-pole magnet. In this case, in a non-driven state in which no poweris applied to the coil 1241 b or 1243 b, the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a andthe coil 1241 b or 1243 b may face each other in a direction facingtheir respective center, and the magnet 1241 a or 1243 a may be providedto have substantially the same distance of at least two N poles (or Spoles), facing the Hall sensors, in the optical axis direction.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a main board according to an example,with coils and components mounted thereon.

Referring to FIG. 22 , coils 1141 b, 1143 b, and 1145 b of the firstdriving portion 1140 for driving the reflection module 1100, and theplurality of coils 1241 b, 1243 b, and 1245 b of the second drivingportion 1240 for driving the lens module 1200 may be mounted on aninternal surface of the main board 1070 according to an example.Further, a component 1178 such as a passive element, an active element,or the like, a gyro sensor 1079, and the like, may be mounted on anexternal surface of the main board 1070. Therefore, the main board 1070may be double-sided.

Specifically, the main board 1070 may include first and second sideboards 1071 and 1072 disposed approximately in parallel to each other,and a bottom board 1073 mutually connecting the first and second sideboards 1071 and 1072. A terminal portion 1074 for external power andsignal connection may be connected to any one of the first and secondside boards 1071 and 1072 and the bottom board 1073.

Some (for example, coil 1143 b, as illustrated) of the plurality ofcoils of the first driving portion 1140 for driving the reflectionmodule 1100, and a sensor 1143 c, and some (for example, coils 1241 band 1245 b, as illustrated) of the plurality of coils of the seconddriving portion 1240 for driving the lens module 1200, and sensors 1241c and 1245 c may be mounted on the first side board 1071.

Some (for example, coil 1145 b, as illustrated) of the plurality ofcoils of the first driving portion 1140 for driving the reflectionmodule 1100, and some (for example, coil 1243 b, as illustrated) of theplurality of coils of the second driving portion 1240 for driving thelens module 1200, and sensor 1243 c may be mounted on the second sideboard 1072.

The coil 1141 b of the first driving portion 1140 for driving thereflection module 1100, and the sensor 1141 c sensing the position ofthe reflection module 1100 may be mounted on the bottom board 1073.

Although the first side board 1071 is illustrated in the drawing ashaving components 1178 such as various passive elements and activeelements, the gyro sensor 1079, and the like, mounted thereon, thecomponents 1178, the gyro sensor 1079, and the like may be mounted onthe second side board 1072, or may be suitably divided and mounted onthe first and second side boards 1071 and 1072.

Further, the plurality of coils 1141 b, 1143 b, 1145 b, 1241 b, 1243 b,and 1245 b as well as the position detection sensors 1141 c, 1143 c,1241 c, 1243 c, and 1245 c, which may be mounted on the first side board1071, the second side board 1072 and the bottom board 1073, may bevariously divided and mounted on each board according to the design of acamera module.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device accordingto another example.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a portable electronic device 2 may be a portableelectronic device mounted with a plurality of camera modules 500 and1000, such as a mobile communications terminal, a smartphone, a tabletPC, or the like.

The plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 may be mounted in theportable electronic device 2.

At least one of the plurality of camera modules 500 and 1000 may be thecamera module 1000 according to and the various examples described withreference to FIGS. 2 through 16 .

For example, in the case of a portable electronic device including adual camera module, at least one of two camera modules may be providedas the camera module 1000 according to the various examples.

Through this example, the camera module and the portable electronicdevice including the same may have a simple structure and a reduced sizewhile implementing the functions such as the AF function, the zoomfunction, the OIS function, and the like. In addition, power consumptionmay be minimized.

The camera module may have a simple structure and a reduced size whileimplementing the functions such as the AF function, the zoom function,the OIS function, and the like.

Further, the various examples allow for easy alignment in an opticalaxis direction, even when the plurality of lens groups are provided.

In addition, a stopper or a damper may be provided such that both thezoom lens and the reflection module may be not separated from theoptimal position.

In addition, in order to express performance of a zoom lens to themaximum, it is possible to accurately measure a movement position of thezoom lens by a plurality of Hall sensors.

While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made in these examples without departing from the spiritand scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples describedherein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not forpurposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in eachexample are to be considered as being applicable to similar features oraspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if thedescribed techniques are performed to have a different order, and/or ifcomponents in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit arecombined in a different manner, and/or replaced or supplemented by othercomponents or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosureis defined not by the detailed description, but by the claims and theirequivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and theirequivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera module comprising: a housing; a firstlens module and a second lens module each movably disposed inside thehousing along an optical axis; at least one first ball member disposedbetween the first lens module and the housing; at least one second ballmember disposed between the second lens module and the housing; a firstdriving unit configured to move the first lens module along the opticalaxis; and a second driving unit configured to move the second lensmodule along the optical axis, wherein the first driving unit comprisesa first magnet disposed on the first lens module, a first coil disposedto face the first magnet and a plurality of first position sensorslocated inside the first coil, wherein the first lens module includes afirst extension portion extending in an optical axis direction tooverlap with the second lens module in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis, and wherein at least a portion of the first magnet isdisposed on the first extension portion.
 2. The camera module of claim1, wherein the plurality of first position sensors are spaced apart fromeach other in the optical axis direction.
 3. The camera module of claim1, wherein at least one guide groove is disposed on the first lensmodule; and the at least one first ball member is at least partiallyaccommodated in the at least one guide groove.
 4. The camera module ofclaim 3, wherein the at least one guide groove extends in the opticalaxis direction.
 5. The camera module of claim 3, wherein the at leastone guide groove includes a first guide groove disposed on a surface ofthe first lens module and a second guide groove disposed on the surfaceand extending in parallel with the first guide groove.
 6. The cameramodule of claim 1, further comprising a pulling yoke disposed on thehousing to pull the first lens module.
 7. The camera module of claim 1,wherein the first magnet is disposed oppositely at a side surface of thehousing.
 8. The camera module of claim 1, wherein a surface of the firstmagnet facing the first coil has an N pole, a neutral region and an Spole along the optical axis direction.
 9. The camera module of claim 8,wherein at least one of the plurality of first position sensors isdisposed to face the N pole of the first magnet, and at least anotherone of the plurality of first position sensors is disposed to face the Spole of the first magnet.
 10. The camera module of claim 1, wherein thesecond driving unit comprises a second magnet disposed on the secondlens module, a second coil disposed to face the second magnet and aplurality of second position sensors located inside the second coil,wherein the second lens module includes a second extension portionextending in the optical axis direction to overlap with the first lensmodule in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and whereinat least a portion of the second magnet is disposed on the secondextension portion.
 11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein theplurality of second position sensors are spaced apart from each other inthe optical axis direction.
 12. The camera module of claim 10, whereinat least one guide groove is disposed on the second lens module; and theat least one second ball member is at least partially accommodated inthe at least one guide groove.
 13. The camera module of claim 12,wherein the at least one guide groove extends in the optical axisdirection.
 14. The camera module of claim 12, wherein the at least oneguide groove includes a third guide groove disposed on a surface of thesecond lens module and a fourth guide groove disposed on the surface andextending in parallel with the third guide groove.
 15. The camera moduleof claim 10, further comprising a pulling yoke disposed on the housingto pull the second lens module.
 16. The camera module of claim 10,wherein the second magnet is disposed oppositely at a side surface ofthe housing.
 17. The camera module of claim 10, wherein a surface of thesecond magnet facing the second coil has an N pole, a neutral region andan S pole along the optical axis direction.
 18. The camera module ofclaim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of second positionsensors is disposed to face the N pole of the second magnet, and atleast another one of the plurality of second position sensors isdisposed to face the S pole of the second magnet.
 19. The camera moduleof claim 10, wherein the first extension portion is oppositely disposedat the second extension portion with the optical axis therebetween. 20.The camera module of claim 1, wherein one of the first lens module andthe second lens module is configured to handle an autofocus (AF)function, and the other one is configured to handle a zoom function.